Serving more than just our clients: How we support the whole family

At God’s Love, we know that when a person is living with a severe illness, it can be a crisis for all in the household. That’s why, since our founding, we have continually evolved our program to meet the needs of the whole family. Hundreds of children of our clients receive healthy breakfast kits, after school snacks and nutritious meals, along with meals we provide for their parents. The senior caregivers of our clients are also eligible to receive our individually tailored meals. In addition to unlimited, one-on-one nutrition counseling for every client, we also provide nutrition education for the family. Our Registered Dietitian Nutritionists talk to family members and caregivers about the importance of proper nutrition for their sick loved one and for themselves. We are dedicated to stabilizing all members of the household.

Of course, there are so many different ways to define family. Our Client Services and Program staff are always asking our clients who they consider to be their family. Not only do many of our clients live with their parents, children, or partners, but many live alone and consider their friends and neighbors family. The people who care for our clients are family members, friends, neighbors, and home health aides. We recently received a phone call from a client’s caregiver,
saying, “I am very appreciative of God’s Love, as the program alleviates the pressure on me to provide all meals. The meals free me up to tend to other caregiving responsibilities.”

God’s Love has an impact on everyone in the family – even if that family does not live together or even in the same city or state. One scenario we see frequently is grown children having to travel long distances to care for a sick parent. When a loved one is living far away with a debilitating illness, it can be a huge burden to ensure hey are eating well and their needs are being met. God’s Love provides relief for family members whether they are in the home or thousands of miles away.

Our Client Services Department is always seeking feedback from our clients via surveys and phone calls, and God’s Love fully anticipates that family needs evolve. If you know someone who can benefit from our services, contact our Client Services Department at 212.294.8102 or clientservices@glwd.org.